WARNING! The following contains a lot of references to holiday songs, specials, and movies.
This morning, as I was driving to the studios, Andy Williams tried reminding me that, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”
However, as I watched “The Muppet Christmas Carol” last night, Sir Michael Caine told me, “Bah! Humbug!”
It’s not an easy time of the year for us, not just farmers. There are different terminologies or reasons given, but the fact of the matter is, that the stress of the holiday season can be too much for some of us to deal with.
Some people call it Seasonal Affective Disorder because the weather is colder and drearier, and we don’t get as much sunshine and fresh air. That can certainly affect our moods and make it tougher to find joy in everyday life and the season.
Maybe it is the financial strain of recapping the year that was and looking to provide the holiday experience that your family will always remember. It is a tough burden that many of us face. There is also the cost of the holiday feast. While our prices for certain commodities are lower this year, the prices at the supermarket are not. Have you seen the price of Who-Pudding? Not to mention the roast beast. It’s a year that the Grinch may not have to bother coming down from Mt. Crumpet to steal anything.
No matter what it is that has got you down, there is no reason to go full-Clark Griswold. You don’t need to let the stress of the holiday season compromise your happiness and rip into family and friends like you were just enrolled for a year in the Jelly of the Month Club. You just need to forge ahead and light those 25,000 imported Italian twinkle lights that may or may not be twinkling and have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap danced with Danny Kay.
Remember that It’s a Wonderful Life and that your presence matters to all of those around you. You are loved. It may feel like you need a Miracle on 34th Street to get through the season, but there is no reason to put so much strain on yourself that it ruins the fun you can have with your loved ones. Take some time for yourself. It’s okay if you need to sit back, calm down, and have a Silent Night. That way you will be ready to wake up the next morning, don your Green Sleeves, and spread a little Joy to the World.
If things feel unbearable to you this year, remember Santa isn’t the only one who wants to know what you want this holiday season. There are those who are willing to help you talk through these issues and find your joy. Make an effort to push yourself, even when you don’t always feel like it. Don’t spend too many nights at Home Alone. Life is what you make of it. Trust me, I deal with these issues myself. Some days are easy, and some days you have to will yourself and actually tell yourself to keep putting one foot in front of the other. But, believe me, it’s worth it.
No matter what you are facing, you aren’t alone. Don’t try to do it alone. People care about you, and you matter in this life. Be ready to fight for your happiness and make the effort to screw a smile on your face, even when you don’t always want to. Don’t let the things that get you down define your holidays. I truly want everyone to have a wonderful season, no matter what holiday you observe. I wish the best for you all, now, and in the coming year.
